Will the proposed tax increases cause people to flee Minnesota for lower-tax states? The Poligraph weighs in with the best available evidence.

Washington/National Politics

As first reported by MPR News last month, Republican businessman Mike McFadden appears to be gearing up to challenge Sen. Al Franken next year, reports Poltico. So far, Franken is running for re-election unchallenged.

In Iowa, Republican Rep. Steve King (a close ally of Michele Bachmann’s) will not run for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Tom Harkin which Roll Call says “leaves the GOP field wide open” in what could be one of the most competitive Senate races next year.

The National Rifle Association’s new president said the organization is involved in a “culture war” with pro-gun control groups and the Obama Administration.

Minnesota-based UnitedHealth is among the biggest health insurers in the country and also covers many members of the armed forces, who have been complaining about their coverage and customer service, including long wait times at call centers. Rep. Tim Walz is asking the company for answers.

The Pentagon is trying to limit religious proselytization within the military’s ranks after complaints from some service members. Conservative Christians are fighting the initiative and Rep. Michele Bachmann has joined in, using the controversy as an opportunity to raise money from supporters.